Animoca Connects Conventional Finance and Web3 Following UAE Authorization

Animoca Brands, a Web3 investment firm based in Hong Kong, has obtained

from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in Abu Dhabi, representing a significant milestone toward becoming a licensed fund manager in the UAE’s rapidly developing sector. Although this approval is provisional, it enables the company to move forward with plans to launch a collective investment fund in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), contingent on meeting specific capital, compliance, and operational standards. This achievement highlights Animoca’s commitment to expanding its institutional Web3 and digital asset management capabilities, supporting its broader growth strategy in the Middle East.

The IPA forms part of ADGM’s comprehensive regulatory system, where

along with anti-money laundering measures and robust technology systems for evaluation before they can receive conditional approval. For Animoca, which has invested in more than 600 companies across gaming, NFTs, and blockchain, this step enhances its capacity to raise capital under regulatory oversight. " ," stated Omar Elassar, Animoca Brands’ managing director for the Middle East, stressing the company’s goal to create “regulated, institutional channels for engagement” in the region.

This regulatory progress aligns with Animoca’s ongoing plans to return to public markets.

with Nasdaq-listed Currenc Group, aiming for a $1 billion valuation and targeting completion by the end of 2026. Upon closing, Animoca’s shareholders would control 95% of the merged company, with Currenc investors holding the remaining 5%. This transaction would mark Animoca’s re-entry into public trading after its 2020 delisting from the Australian Securities Exchange due to governance issues related to its crypto operations.

ADGM’s regulatory stance mirrors a wider industry movement to balance innovation with regulatory safeguards.

such as maintaining minimum capital, securing residency permits for essential staff, and passing independent audits before they can obtain a full financial services license. Once these prerequisites are satisfied, firms are authorized to operate within ADGM, providing services like trading, asset custody, and advisory offerings for virtual assets.

The UAE’s regulatory landscape is increasingly drawing blockchain businesses looking for well-structured markets. Animoca’s activities in Dubai and its expansion into Abu Dhabi underscore the nation’s emerging role as a link between conventional finance and the Web3 ecosystem.

, these advancements may help speed up mainstream acceptance and drive further innovation in the industry.